The LWL Textile Museum in Bocholt is a museum-factory. Opened in 1989, this center for industrial culture was designed based on historical models. Even today, visitors to the grounds of the former Herding spinning mill will find, among other things, a boiler house with a chimney, a machine shop, a production hall with shed roofs, and a workshop as well as workers’ houses—all of which are open to the public. At the turn of the century, over 20,000 spindles were in operation at this former manufacturing site.
Culture enthusiasts can learn more about both historical and modern textile manufacturing techniques in special exhibitions or deepen their knowledge of fashion design. Following a visit to the spinning mill, a tour of the nearby weaving mill—which is also part of the LWL Textile Museum in Bocholt—is highly recommended. The large weaving hall smells of oil, and the historic looms clatter during the daily demonstration production. Amid the yarn, rollers, and gears, guests learn how the rhythm of the machines dictated the work 100 years ago. Even today, fabrics for towels and tablecloths are still produced here daily.
